How to store X-ray protective clothing correctly?

The correct storage of X-ray protective clothing

Wearing X-ray protective clothing is an essential part of the everyday working life for X-ray users. Patients are also given protective clothing for a variety of applications. If X-ray protective clothing is stored incorrectly, damage can occur to the inner material, which impairs the protective effect and therefore exposes the wearer to an increased radiation risk.

In addition to correct use, cleaning and disinfection, the correct storage of X-ray protective clothing is therefore crucial for consistent protection and a long lifespan of your X-ray protective clothing.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the proper storage of X-ray protective clothing.

How long does X-ray protective clothing last and how long can an apron be stored?

Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 9, 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC requires in the essential health and safety requirements in Annex II point 2.4 that an end of use date or lifespan is defined for each PPE.

Radiation protection products are subject to individual use and handling which is unpredictable and cannot be anticipated by us as a manufacturer. This makes it impossible to estimate the lifespan of the products outside the two-year warranty. Several aspects play an important role here, some of which can be positively influenced by you: use, storage, cleaning and disinfection.

As the product lifespan cannot be determined across the board, the X-ray protective clothing must be checked regularly, e.g. by using X-ray fluoroscopy. If defects are found and the protective function is no longer guaranteed, the product must be taken out of use.

How often should X-ray protective clothing be inspected?

MAVIG has specified that its clothing should be checked every 3 months to ensure that its protective function is intact. We recommend an inspection in accordance with the DIN 6857-2:2021 standard, which, in addition to regular visual and tactile inspections, also requires checking the products with X-rays.

How should radiation protective clothing be stored?

The important factor here is how the product is stored (creasing, folding, etc.), but also the storage period and the environmental conditions (temperatures, ozone, sunlight, etc.). For this reason, we have specifications in this regard in our instructions for use: “Use MAVIG special coat hangers or suitable MAVIG storage systems for storing protective aprons. Radiation protective clothing should not be folded or allowed to hang over edges and must be stored away from sources of heat.” We are well aware that it will not always be possible in everyday clinical practice. In many cases, things have to be done quickly, so that clothing is not stored properly and as wrinkle-free as possible on the appropriate storage systems, but is instead quickly laid over a chair, for example. Even if this procedure is not a problem “at times”, it leads to increased stress on the material, which in turn can lead to faster wear and tear.

It is essential that radiation protective clothing is generally treated with care. Like any other clothing, the more care you take of it, the longer it will last.

As already mentioned, we recommend our specially designed storage systems for proper and gentle storage.

Our specially developed AW426 mobile storage system has an upper hanger for the vest (can also be used for coats and front aprons) and a lower hanger for the skirt. Due to the shape of the upper hanger even X-ray protective clothing with sleeves can be stored without creasing. It is therefore not only an ideal storage solution for all types of X-ray protective clothing, but also offers space for accessories such as thyroid protection, X-ray protective goggles, etc. thanks to the optional hangers and baskets.

The MAVIG heavy-duty hanger AW106, which is included free of charge with all MAVIG radiation protection aprons, is ideal for hanging up radiation protection clothing. This heavy-duty hanger makes it possible to hang up both costumes and front aprons without creases or folds. The hangers can be ideally combined with the AW415 (wall-mounted) and AW425 (mobile) storage systems.

Our specially developed and improved storage systems offer space for RA, RP and BR items.

Mobile or wall-mounted systems – there is a storage system for all MAVIG products to suit the space available.

All storage systems

The environmental conditions for the radiation protective clothing also play an important role. The temperature and humidity at the place of storage and use must be between -20°C and a maximum of +40°C and protected from direct heat sources, sunlight and moisture. These conditions generally correspond to the usual values in living and working areas.

By observing these instructions, you can maximize the service life and protective function of your X-ray protective clothing.